Objective
Knowledge regarding the complex interplay between agricultural land use and management and soil quality and function is fragmented and incomplete, in particular with regard to underlying principles and regulating mechanisms. The main aim of iSQAPER is to develop an interactive soil quality assessment tool (SQAPP) for agricultural land users that integrates newly derived process understanding and accounts for the impact of agricultural land use and management on soil properties and functions, and related ecosystem services. For this purpose, >30 long-term experimental field trials in the EU and China will be analysed to derive regulating principles for integration in SQAPP. SQAPP will be developed using a multi-actor approach aiming at facilitating social innovation and providing options to land users for cost-effective agricultural management activities to enhance soil quality and crop productivity. SQAPP will be tested extensively in 14 dedicated Case Study Sites in the EU and China covering a wide spectrum of farming systems and pedo-climatic zones, and rolled-out across the continents thereafter. Within the Case Study sites a range of alternative agricultural practices will be selected, implemented and evaluated with regard to effects on improving soil quality and crop productivity. Proven practices will be evaluated for their potential applicability at EU and China levels, and to assess the related soil environmental footprint under current and future agricultural trends and various agricultural policy scenarios. How the soil quality tool can be utilized for different policy purposes, e.g. in cross compliance and agro-environmental measures, will also be investigated and demonstrated. A comprehensive dissemination and communication strategy, including a web-based information portal, will ensure that project results are available to a variety of stakeholders at the right time and in appropriate formats to enhance soil quality and productivity in the EU and China.
Fields of science
- natural sciencesearth and related environmental sciencessoil sciencesedaphology
- social scienceseconomics and businesseconomicsproduction economicsproductivity
- agricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesagriculture
- agricultural sciencesanimal and dairy sciencedomestic animalsanimal husbandry
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
RIA - Research and Innovation actionCoordinator
6708 PB Wageningen
Netherlands
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Participants (24)
1049 Brussels
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5070 Frick
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3012 Bern
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7000 803 Evora
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28040 Madrid
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SW1W 9NF London
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
84029 Sicignano Degli Alburni
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6708 PB Wageningen
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6708 PB Wageningen
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20290 Lublin
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51014 Tartu
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1000 Ljubljana
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011464 Bucuresti
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3045-093 Coimbra
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03202 Elche
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11855 Athina
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100081 Beijing
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712100 Yangling
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610066 Chengdu
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3572 ZT Utrecht
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
1018 VC Amsterdam
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8200 Veszprem
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210008 Nanjing
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35370 Argentre Du Plessis
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